Combination curler and pre-moistened applicator

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention relate to devices and methods for applying cosmetic products. One embodiment comprises a pre-moistened applicator configured for single use to provide a hygienic application of a cosmetic product such as mascara to the eyes, the pre-moistened applicator comprising a body member comprising a plurality of extensions configured for engagement with a user&#39;s eyelashes, an attachment member configured for removable attachment to an external apparatus, a reservoir comprising a cosmetic product, and an individually-sealed package to enclose the pre-moistened applicator. Such a pre-moistened applicator can make application of a cosmetic product more convenient and hygienic.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/761,873 filed Feb. 7, 2013, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to cosmetic devices, and more particularly to a disposable pre-moistened cosmetic applicator configured for single use to provide a hygienic application of a cosmetic product such as mascara to the eyes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The application of makeup enhancing cosmetics is well known in the art. In particular, various devices are used specifically for enhancing eye features such as eye lash curlers and mascara applicators. Mascara may be used to darken, thicken, lengthen, and define the eyelashes. Generally, mascara is available in liquid or semi-solid (e.g., cake or cream) form to provide uniform application of the solution onto the eyelashes.

Conventionally, mascara products are designed with two distinct components, an applicator and a reservoir containing the mascara solution. The applicator head (i.e., brush) is generally attached to a wand that is inserted into a separate solution reservoir, which allows for successive continuous use of the mascara product. The reservoir is enclosed in a bottle that is sealed by insertion of the applicator wand into the bottle. Drawbacks to this conventional design involve the increased risk of bacteria build-up and contamination over time due to the successive use of the product. For example, mascara wands and applicator brushes can accumulate bacteria resulting from contact with a user's face or hands that have been previously contaminated with germs and bacteria. The reinsertion of the applicator brush into the mascara solution or continued use of a contaminated wand causes successive build-up of bacteria which can lead to the development of eye infections, or itchy or watery eyes. Additionally, the continued use of a product beyond its recommended expiration date can also lead to irritations or infections of the eye. Therefore, there is a need for a device that provides an applicator with a predetermined amount of solution and allows a user to dispose of an applicator after a single use to prevent contamination of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to pre-moistened applicators configured for single use to provide a hygienic application of a cosmetic product such as mascara to the eyes.

In an embodiment, a pre-moistened applicator comprises a body member comprising a plurality of extensions and an attachment member configured for removable attachment to an external apparatus.

In an embodiment, a pre-moistened applicator comprises a body member comprising a plurality of extensions; a reservoir coupled to the body, wherein the reservoir is configured to comprise a pre-determined quantity of cosmetic product; and an attachment member configured for removable attachment to an external apparatus.

In an embodiment, a method of treating eyelashes comprises providing a pre-moistened applicator configured for single use; forming a body member of the pre-moistened applicator for removable attachment to an external apparatus; applying a pre-moistened applicator to an eyelash of a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a pre-moistened applicator configured for use in combination with a cosmetic curler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a pre-moistened applicator and an attachment member configured for use in combination with a cosmetic curler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a pre-moistened applicator and an attachment member configured for use in combination with a handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a pre-moistened applicator and an attachment member configured for use in combination with a handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a conventional cosmetic curler of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a curling element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a combination cosmetic curler and curling element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts an applicator handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts an applicator handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a cartridge configured to package a pre-moistened applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 depicts a cartridge configured to package a pre-moistened applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a reservoir according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 depicts a reservoir and pre-moistened applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention relate to devices and methods for applying cosmetic products. One embodiment comprises a pre-moistened applicator configured for single use to provide a hygienic application of a cosmetic product such as mascara to the eyes, the pre-moistened applicator comprising a body member comprising a plurality of extensions configured for engagement with a user's eyelashes, an attachment member configured for removable attachment to an external apparatus, a reservoir comprising a cosmetic product, and an individually-sealed package to enclose the pre-moistened applicator. Such a pre-moistened applicator can make application of a cosmetic product more convenient and hygienic.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pre-moistened applicator 5 is shown according to an embodiment. The pre-moistened applicator 5 comprises a body member 20 and an attachment member 6 (FIG. 2) configured for selective coupling of an external apparatus such as an eyelash curler or handle. In various embodiments, pre-moistened applicator 5 can be configured for single use to provide a sterile and safe device. Body member 20 can comprise a flexible material (e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene, steel, aluminum, etc.) to allow for deformation of body member 20 in varied configurations for different application techniques. Body member 20 can comprise, but is not limited to, a generally arched or linear shape that can be configured specific to an eye shape. The length of body member 20 can range from 20 mm up to 35 mm but may vary according to embodiments. In assorted embodiments, body member 20 comprises a plurality of extensions 22, such as bristles or other suitable fibers, integrally formed in a top surface 56 of body member 20 to form an applicator 5. Each of the plurality of extensions 22 can be configured with a pre-applied quantity of cosmetic product to limit or exclude the use of a reservoir 48 and to provide a simplified product for single use. Each of the plurality of extensions 22 can be configured to extend radially outward from the top surface 56 of body member 20 to expose each of the extensions 22 for engagement with the eyelashes. The plurality of extensions 22 can comprise hard or soft materials, such as plastic, nylon, animal hair or other suitable materials according to a desired appearance of the eyelashes. Similarly, the shape and spacing of each of the plurality of extensions 22 can affect the appearance of the eyelashes by increasing or decreasing coverage of the eyelashes by the applicator brush. For example, the use of soft materials for each of the plurality of extensions 22 with smaller spacing between each can create a fuller appearance of the eyelashes. Contrarily, the use of hard materials with larger spacing for each of the plurality of extensions 22 can create a lengthier appearance of the eyelashes.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a reservoir is shown according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, reservoir 48 (FIG. 12) can comprise at least one aperture 50 formed in the top surface 52 of reservoir 48. Reservoir 48 can be configured to comprise a pre-determined quantity of a cosmetic product such as liquid agent or gel, whereby the at least one aperture 50 can be configured to dispense the cosmetic product to each of the plurality of extensions 22 of pre-moistened applicator 5 upon the execution of an external action. The external action can include, for example, inserting pre-moistened applicator 5 into aperture 50 to saturate the plurality of extensions 22 with the contained cosmetic product. In another example technique, the external action can include, but is not limited to, applying a downward pressure utilizing a pulsating technique to reservoir 48 to dispense the cosmetic product. Reservoir 48 can vary in geometrical configurations and can comprise, for example, a generally rectangular, cylindrical, oval shape, or any other suitable configuration for a desired application. In other embodiments, reservoir 48 can be configured with a coupling feature for removable coupling to body member 20, a handle 10 (FIGS. 8 and 9), or a cosmetic curler 24 (FIG. 5). For example, reservoir 48 can be individually attached to or formed on handle 10. In other embodiments, body member 20 can be configured to form a permeable seal across reservoir 48 (FIG. 13) to receive the dispensed cosmetic product, whereby reservoir 48 is coupled to or formed in body member 20. The permeable seal formed by body member 20 can further be utilized to prevent contamination of and to preserve the cosmetic product contained within reservoir 48.

In various embodiments, attachment member 6 can comprise a coupling mechanism 26 formed of plastics, metals or other suitable materials (FIGS. 3 and 4). The coupling mechanism 26, for example, can be configured for clamp-release, slidable, or magnetic engagement to releasably secure the position of pre-moistened applicator 5 to an external apparatus such as a cosmetic curler 24 or handle 10.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, a conventional eyelash curler 24 is depicted according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, pre-moistened applicator 5 can be removably coupled to eyelash curler 24 via attachment member 6 for simultaneous application of a liquid agent to the eyelashes while the eyelashes are being curled. Eyelash curler 24 can comprise first and second handgrips 4, 28, a fixed bar 3 and upper and lower clamping members 1, 30. First and second handgrips 4, 28 can be pivotally connected by a screw or pin to form a scissor like structure, and can comprise finger loops 32, 34, respectively. The first handgrip 4 can be mechanically coupled to upper clamping member 1 and can be configured to maintain a stationary position. The second handgrip 28 can be mechanically coupled to lower clamping member 30 and can be configured for mobile use to control the movement of lower clamping member 30. In embodiments, upper and lower clamping members 1, 30 can comprise a generally arched shape but may vary in size and shape. Upper and lower clamping members 1, 30 can be manually operable and can comprise a rigid material such as a metal or other suitable material to provide definition to the eyelashes during curling. Lower clamping member 30 can be configured in parallel alignment with upper clamping member 1. Lower clamping member 30 can comprise a channel 36 that is configured to receive a curling element 2 (FIG. 6), body member 20 or reservoir 48. The curling element 2 can comprise a flexible material such as plastic, silicon, rubber, or other materials with sufficient elasticity. In some embodiments, curling element 2 can be configured for removable attachment to body member 20 and reservoir 48. In use, for example, the insertion of curling element 2 (FIG. 5) into the channel 36 of lower clamping member 30 increases the amount of pressure applied between clamping members 1, 30 while reducing the amount of pressure to be applied by a user. In other embodiments, the coupling of reservoir 48 individually or collectively coupled to body member 20 to either the upper or lower clamping members 1, 30 allows for simultaneous application a liquid agent or gel to the eyelashes while the eyelashes are being curled.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, an applicator handle 10 is depicted according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, pre-moistened applicator 5 can be removably or fixedly coupled to handle 10 via coupling mechanism 26 of attachment member 6. In embodiments, handle 10 can comprise a hand piece 40, at least one holding clamp 9, and a release button 8 coupled to or formed on hand piece 40. Hand piece 40 can be configured to extend longitudinally from a proximal end 58 to a distal end 58, whereby a non-slip inlay 11 can be formed in or on a top surface 56 of hand piece 40. The non-slip inlay 11 can comprise a rubber, silicone or other suitable material and can be configured to hold handle 10 more comfortably and provide increased control through the surface structure (e.g., ripples or knobs). In embodiments, hand piece 40 can comprise an upright or angled neck portion 42 configured specific to a desired application technique. In embodiments, the at least one holding clamp 9 can be configured with a corresponding coupling feature as that of attachment member 6 to secure connection of pre-moistened applicator 5 to handle 10. The coupling features associated with holding clamp 9 can include, but are not limited to, a clamp release mechanisms like single trigger button systems, thin magnetic stripes or sliding mechanisms. The operation of the at least one holding clamp can be controlled by release button 8, whereby a user can initiate a coupling or decoupling feature of holding clamp 9 by activating release button 8. In use, for example, a user can activate detachment of pre-moistened applicator 5 from handle 10 by pressing the operating release button, which releases engagement of the corresponding coupling features of the at least one holding clamp 9 from pre-moistened applicator 5.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an applicator cartridge 7 is depicted according to an embodiment. Cartridge 7 can comprise upper and lower outer edges 44, 46 that can be configured to conform to a geometrical arrangement of pre-moistened applicator 5, reservoir 48 or any other hypoallergenic or sterile device or product. In various embodiments, upper outer edge 44 can comprise a generally semi-circular shape and lower outer edge 46 can comprise a generally rectangular shape to collectively form a frame of cartridge 7. The frame of cartridge 7 can be configured to extend approximately two inches in length, but may vary in size and shape. Cartridge 7 can further comprise a plastic or any other hypoallergenic material to provide a hermetically sealed packaging. In embodiments, the hermetically sealed packaging of cartridge 7 can be configured to enclose and store a single pre-moistened applicator 5, reservoir 48, and a pre-moistened applicator 5 fixedly coupled to a handle 10. The sealing feature of the packaging, for example, can comprise a removable film, lid or cap to provide an airtight seal and to prevent contamination of pre-moistened applicator 5 and the liquid agent contained within reservoir 48. In other embodiments, the frame of cartridge 7 can comprise a guiding system such as a grooved channel or slot that can be configured for a contactless removal of pre-moistened applicator 5 or a similar product from cartridge 7 to prevent contamination.

Various embodiments of devices and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the invention may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the invention may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the invention can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted. Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. Furthermore, it is intended also to include features of a claim in any other independent claim even if this claim is not directly made dependent to the independent claim.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pre-moistened applicator configured for single use comprising: a body member comprising a plurality of extensions; and an attachment member configured for removable attachment to an external apparatus.
 2. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 1, wherein the plurality of extensions are integrally formed in a top surface of the body member.
 3. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator is packaged in an individually-sealed cartridge.
 4. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 1, wherein the attachment member is arranged along an end of the pre-moistened applicator.
 5. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 1, wherein the attachment member is arranged on a bottom surface of the pre-moistened applicator.
 6. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 1, wherein the external apparatus is a cosmetic curler.
 7. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 1 further comprising a handle.
 8. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 7, wherein the applicator is packaged in an individually-sealed cartridge.
 9. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 7, wherein the attachment member is configured for removable attachment to the handle.
 10. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 1, wherein the attachment member is configured for removable attachment to a curling element.
 11. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator is configured for use with a reservoir comprising a cosmetic product.
 12. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 11, wherein the reservoir comprises at least one aperture, and wherein the at least one aperture is configured to dispense a cosmetic product.
 13. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 12, wherein the applicator is packaged collectively with the reservoir in an individually-sealed cartridge.
 14. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 12, wherein the reservoir is configured for removable attachment to a cosmetic curler.
 15. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 12, wherein the reservoir is configured for removable attachment to a handle.
 16. A pre-moistened applicator configured for single use comprising: a body member comprising a plurality of extensions; a reservoir coupled to the body, wherein the reservoir is configured to comprise a pre-determined quantity of cosmetic product; and an attachment member configured for removable attachment to an external apparatus.
 17. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 16, wherein the reservoir comprises at least one aperture, and wherein the at least one aperture is configured to dispense a cosmetic product.
 18. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 16, wherein the plurality of extensions are integrally formed in a top surface of the body member.
 19. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 16, wherein the applicator is packaged in an individually-sealed cartridge.
 20. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 16, wherein the attachment member is arranged along an end of the pre-moistened applicator.
 21. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 16, wherein the attachment member is arranged along a bottom edge of the pre-moistened applicator.
 22. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 16, wherein the attachment member is configured for removable attachment to a cosmetic curler.
 23. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 16 further comprising a handle.
 24. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 23, wherein the applicator is packaged in an individually-sealed cartridge.
 25. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 23, wherein the attachment member is configured for removable attachment to the handle.
 26. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 16, wherein the applicator comprises a generally arched shape.
 27. The pre-moistened applicator of claim 16, wherein the applicator comprises a generally linear shape.
 28. A method of treating eyelashes comprising: providing a pre-moistened applicator configured for single use; forming a body member of the pre-moistened applicator for removable attachment to an external apparatus; applying a pre-moistened applicator to an eyelash of a user.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein forming further comprises configuring the body member with a coupling mechanism for removable attachment to a cosmetic curler.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein forming further comprises configuring the body member with a coupling mechanism for removable attachment to a reservoir.
 31. The method of claim 28, wherein forming further comprises configuring the body member with a coupling mechanism for removable attachment to a handle.
 32. The method of claim 28, wherein applying further comprises coupling the body member of the pre-moistened applicator to an external apparatus for application of a cosmetic product to the eyelashes. 